OpenAI has made its chatbot, ChatGPT, more accessible by allowing users to interact with it through voice calls and WhatsApp messages. Now, users in the U.S. can talk to ChatGPT by calling the dedicated number 1-800-CHATGPT, or through WhatsApp at the same number. For those calling from a landline or flip phone, the service remains fully functional, expanding accessibility for a broader audience.
In this new feature, U.S. users are entitled to 15 minutes of free voice calling per month, offering an easy way to engage with ChatGPT. While this feature is still experimental, OpenAI may adjust availability and usage limits in the future. The integration of ChatGPT with WhatsApp allows users worldwide to send messages directly to the AI using the same phone number.
This initiative was developed rapidly, according to OpenAI’s chief product officer, Kevin Weil, who mentioned that the technology behind these features uses OpenAI’s Realtime API and the WhatsApp API with GPT-4o mini. While this new communication channel is simple and user-friendly, existing users who need more advanced features or personalization should continue using the regular ChatGPT platform.
This new voice and WhatsApp service follows OpenAI’s “ship-mas” event, which also introduced other advancements, such as the release of Sora, OpenAI’s AI video generation tool.
